Pediatric Polio (Poliomyelitis)

Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted via the fecal-oral route, most commonly through contaminated water or food. The poliovirus can cause permanent damage to the areas of the spinal cord responsible for limb movement and, more rarely, to the respiratory muscles.

Thanks to a global vaccination campaign, the incidence of the disease has been significantly reduced. Czechoslovakia was the very first country in the world to halt the widespread transmission of poliovirus. There are only two areas in the world where the wild virus remains endemic: Afghanistan and Pakistan. In addition to the wild poliovirus, outbreaks caused by vaccine-derived poliovirus also occur in some parts of the world (Africa, Asia). This form of the disease usually has a milder course and a lower risk of widespread transmission; however, in unvaccinated individuals, it can cause symptoms and complications similar to those of the wild strain.

An updated booster dose against poliomyelitis may be required for stays in high-risk areas lasting longer than 4 weeks, and must be recorded on the first two pages of the international vaccination certificate. A single booster dose in adulthood is generally recommended for all travelers heading to high-risk areas for stays shorter than 1 month.